Business and educational interests in Dorchester County and on the Eastern Shore are among 68 applications for EARN Maryland workforce development planning grants that will be awarded by the state by December 31.

EARN Maryland is a new Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation (DLLR) program that invests in industry and regional partnerships to train and educate workers. Emphasizing the power of coordination, the program rewards collaborations formed by regional businesses, nonprofits, higher-education institutions, workforce investment boards and local government.

Partnerships on the Shore submitted as many as seven applications in November, according to Daniel McDermott, executive director of the Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board (WIB). They include one to convene employers and others to explore opportunities to enhance career pathways in electrical training. WIB, Chesapeake College, the Independent Electrical Contractors Association and two private employers submitted applications.

No decisions have been made on the number of applications and total dollars that will be awarded by DLLR.